Northwest Missouri State finds new football coach

Northwest Missouri State University named Adam Dorrel, the Bearcat football program’s offensive coordinator and assistant head coach, has been named the team’s 19th head football coach.

Dorrel, succeeds Scott Bostwick who died June 5 after suffering an apparent heart attack at his home.

Dorrel, a member of the Bearcat coaching staff since 2004, takes over a program that enters its 96th season three wins shy of 500 (497-388-33) and owns a 46-game regular season winning streak against MIAA opponents. The Bearcats have made the NCAA Division II football playoffs 13 of the last 15 seasons.

“It is an honor and privilege to be named head football coach at Northwest Missouri State University,” Dorrel said. “I look forward to building on a proud tradition and fully embracing the tremendous responsibility that comes with leading this program. Our staff is excited about the challenges that lie ahead, and we look forward to watching the young men in our program grow and mature on the field, in the classroom and in life. It is our mission and goal to help them become the best they can be.”

Said Northwest Director of Athletics Wren Baker, “Adam Dorrel has been an overachiever at every step of his career. Our offense has set productivity records and has been effective running and passing the ball under his leadership. He has been instrumental in the success of this program as an assistant coach, offensive coordinator and player. Most importantly, he is a leader of men. He understands this program was built with young men who are dedicated to being good people and graduating with their degrees. We are extremely proud to have him lead our football program.”

As offensive coordinator, Dorrel helped lead the Bearcats to an unprecedented five straight NCAA Division II championship appearances and the program’s third national title in 2009. In his seven seasons as a full-time coach at Northwest, the Bearcat football squad is 87-14 (.861) with five MIAA championships.